Understanding Representative Democracy

 

Overview

The Center on Congress and the Close Up Foundation partnered to produce a video series in which legislators and political scientists address questions from a studio audience on some of the most urgent issues in government. This module takes the best of those programs and presents them in a Web-based, easy access format. Below is a brief summary of each video program included in this module.

 

Skepticism Toward Government

Approximate Time: 3 minutes

Alan Rosenthal discusses the American tradition of distrust of power and explains how Watergate and Vietnam changed the way the media regarded political institutions and politicians.

 

Slow-moving Process

Approximate Time: 5 minutes

The panel explains that it is important to keep in mind that the United States is a big and diverse country. The Founding Fathers designed a system with lots of checks and balances so that bad legislation would not pass and good proposals would reflect the diverse country.

 

Bickering (Two Parts)

Approximate Time: Why Is Congress Always Bickering?, 7 minutes; Congress Has Changed, 4 minutes

This segment has two videos: “Why Is Congress Always Bickering?” and “Congress Has Changed.” In the first video segment, the panel explains that there is a lot of arguing in Congress because Members of Congress represent differing points of view and the issues are tough. The panel also discusses the role of political parties. The second video segment discusses the partisanship of Congress.

 

Lobbyists and Special Interests (Three Parts)

Approximate Time: Defining Special Interests, 4 minutes; The Influence of Interest Groups, 4 minutes; Gaining Access, 3 minutes

This segment includes three videos: “Defining Special Interests,” “The Influence of Interest Groups,” and “Gaining Access.” In “Defining Special Interests,” the panel explains what a special interest is and discusses the role of special interests in the legislative process. In “The Influence of Interest Groups,” the panel talks about how the American public has a tendency to blame special interests for various problems. The panel also discusses how most interest groups gain influence because they are well organized and are dedicated to issues. In the final video segment, the panel talks about the importance of interest groups.

 

The Role of Compromise

Approximate Time: 8 minutes

The panel explains that compromise is needed in a large, diverse country like the United States.

Compromise means everybody gets at least part of what they want.

 

Representing Constituents (Two Parts)

Approximate Time: Handling Pressure from Constituents, 4 minutes; Dealing with Conflicts of Principles, 3 minutes

The panel explains that there is a lot of disagreement among constituents. Legislators must make decisions that represent the greatest interests of the people they serve. In addition, legislators not only must listen to constituents but also must educate constituents about the issues. In the second video, the panel explains that compromise is important in the legislative process; however, legislators should compromise only on issues, not on principles.

 

Keeping in Touch with Constituents (Two Parts)

Approximate Time: Ways of Keeping in Touch, 4 minutes; Endless Election Cycle, 3 minutes

This segment includes two videos: “Ways of Keeping in Touch” and “Endless Election Cycle.” In the first segment, the panel talks about how some legislators may lose touch; however, most legislators work hard to stay in touch with constituents. Vic Fazio, former representative from California, and Felix Ortiz, State Assemblyman from New York, describe how they keep in touch with constituents. In the second video segment, the panel discusses how some members are too sensitive to the whims of the public.

 

Keeping Lawmakers Accountable

Approximate Time: 5 minutes

The panel discusses how the re-election process and the press keep legislators accountable. In addition, legislators have an internal sense of accountability.

 

The Role of Money in Politics (Two Parts)

Approximate Time: How Does Money Influence the Process?, 5 minutes; Seeking the Common Good, 4 minutes

This segment includes two videos: “How Does Money Influence the Process?“ and “Seeking the Common Good.“ In the first video segment, the panel discusses the importance of money in politics. In the second video, the panel talks about the disproportionate influence of money on the system and explains that more legislators should focus on the public good.

 

Contacting Legislators Effectively (Two Parts)

Approximate Time: Effective Communication, 5 minutes; How Often Can I Write?, 4 minutes

This segment includes two videos: “Effective Communication” and “How Often Can I Write?.” In the first video, the panel talks about how both e-mail and mail can be an effective form of communication, but it should be concise, to the point, and personal. Perhaps the most effective form of communication is a face-to-face meeting. In the second video, the panel explains that you should be in touch with your legislator as much as possible; however, you should not threaten your legislators.

 

Your Voice Counts

Approximate Time: 5 minutes

The panel discusses how people can influence legislators and explains that the most effective kind of lobbying is to sit down and talk to your representative. The panel also discusses the lack of voting among younger people. Young people should influence the process by voting and letting their legislators know that they vote.

Prerequisite

Prior to beginning this E-learning module, students should:

• Know the basic organization [House and Senate], membership [Representatives and Senators], and function of the U.S. Congress [to legislate/make laws.]

Navigating the E-Learning Module

Navigating this e-learning module is fairly intuitive. However, if the need arises, you may refer to the step-by-step guide below.

1. When you begin this module, the introduction will automatically play. To skip the introduction, click the SKIP button.
2. A list of panel members will appear at the end of the introduction. Click CONTINUE to view a list of videos. Then select a video by clicking on the title.
3. When you select a video, a list of Key Issues and Questions will appear. To play the video, click on the arrow located to the left of the title.
4. At the end of the video, click on MAIN MENU and select a new video.

Helpful Hints

You may want to PAUSE each video and conduct a whole-class discussion to make sure that students understand the content. You can then have students discuss their reactions.